MYANMAR Overview Working environment UNHCR s planned presence 2014 Number of offices 12 Total personnel 195 International staff 36 National staff 143 JPOs 3 Others 13 In Myanmar, inter-communal tension remains high with almost 140,000 people still displaced in Rakhine State. The fragile protection environment and efforts to promote coexistence and reconciliation will need significant support in the year ahead. UNHCR will work in close collaboration with the UN Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to achieve durable solutions. Over 800,000 persons are estimated to be without in the northern part of Rakhine State. In addition, the majority of the internally displaced people (IDPs) are also believed to be without. UNHCR is advocating for steps to address the obstacles to. An agreement to reduce hostilities in Kachin State between the Government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has potentially opened the way for further peace efforts. Some 100,000 people are displaced. International humanitarian organizations have direct access to IDPs in government-controlled areas and local partners have played a vital role in ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches IDPs in other areas. UNHCR will work within the UN inter-agency response, undertaking protection activities and assistance within its cluster remit. UNHCR will also support the HCT s promotion of durable solutions. It is estimated that over 230,000 IDPs remain displaced in the southeast of Myanmar, in areas where UNHCR is operating. Engagement by the Government and other parties to find solutions for IDPs has been growing. UNHCR s main focus in the south-east will be to be prepared for the potential return of refugees from Thailand; however at the end of 2013, conditions are not yet conducive for return. The Office will monitor spontaneous returns and continue to prepare for eventual returns, in consultation with the Myanmar authorities and with UNHCR Thailand, which maintains contact with the Thai authorities and refugees along the border. An estimated 128,000 refugees live in temporary sites along the Thai-Myanmar border. People of concern The main groups of people of concern to UNHCR in Myanmar planned for in 2014 are individuals without and people displaced by conflict and inter-communal tensions. They comprise: nearly half a million IDPs presently located in Rakhine State, Kachin State, Shan State and in southeastern Myanmar; and over 800,000 individuals estimated to be without in northern Rakhine State (probably a higher figure nationwide). The first national census in 31 years is being planned for in 2014, which should provide important additional information. UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 1
Planning figures Type of population Origin Dec 2013 Dec 2014 Dec 2015 Returnee arrivals during year (ex-refugees) Total in country Of whom assisted by UNHCR Total in country Of whom assisted by UNHCR Total in country Of whom assisted by UNHCR Various - - - - 51,000 51,000 Internally displaced Various 490,000 215,000 500,000 250,000 400,000 200,000 Returnee arrivals during year (ex-idps) Myanmar - - - - 100,000 100,000 Stateless people Myanmar 850,000 200,000 1,000,000 225,000 1,200,000 250,000 Total 1,340,000 415,000 1,500,000 475,000 1,751,000 601,000 Note: The figures provided for returnees for both 2014 and 2015 are solely for the purpose of contingency planning, should voluntary return conditions improve. At present, conditions are not considered favourable for voluntary return. While UNHCR needs to make preparations in case this situation should change, there is no plan in place, nor has the Office promoted return so far. Response Needs and strategies UNHCR has been part of the wider humanitarian response for the needs of displaced people in Kachin State and in Rakhine State and is coordinating the protection sector and the shelter, nonfood item (NFI) and camp coordination and camp management cluster for both situations. Within the inter-agency framework, response plans for the Kachin and Rakhine situations were developed in 2012 and 2013. Ongoing support in the areas of basic needs and essential services will continue to be needed in 2014. Shelter and NFI needs have largely been addressed in Rakhine State in 2013, but replenishment and maintainance will be required, within the framework of community-based camp management. UNHCR s focus in 2014 will be to strengthen protection mechanisms, including through community-based protection. Preparations for durable solutions are likely to begin in Kachin, given the recent positive developments around the peace talks. In Rakhine, 2014 will be a critical year when concerted efforts should be made for confidence-building and coexistence measures towards eventual durable solutions. Main objectives and targets for 2014 The following matrix contains examples of some of the main activities planned in 2014. Using a selection of objectives from UNHCR s programme plans for the 2014-2015 biennium, it is designed to illustrate: what under the global needs assessment planning and prioritization process has been planned (Planned activities) for particular groups of people of concern (People of concern); the identified needs that can be covered if full and flexible funding is made available (2014 comprehensive target); and the needs that may not be met if funding falls short of the ExCom-approved budget (Potential gap). The estimation of a potential gap is based on the country operation s own assessment of the likely impact of a global funding shortfall. Calculations are based on various criteria, including the particular context, strategic priorities and experience of resource availability for the respective area of activity in previous years. Activities under objectives on child protection (including best interest determination), education and prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) are core areas which are given priority in the allocation of funding (priority area). In order to ensure the necessary flexibility in the allocation of funds, UNHCR relies on unrestricted contributions from its donors. It should be understood that in some cases, targets for activities or delivery of services may not be reached for reasons other than a funding shortfall, e.g. lack of access to people of concern, cases not reported, changing circumstances, security problems, insufficient capacity to implement all programmes planned, etc. In the Global Report 2014, an explanation of why any target may not have been reached will be provided. UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 2
PLANNED ACTIVITIES Favourable protection environment PEOPLE OF CONCERN 2014 COMPREHENSIVE TARGET POTENTIAL GAP Law and policy developed or strengthened (and consistent with international standards for prevention of statelessness) Individuals without in Myanmar remain excluded from the protection and benefits of and experience discriminatory treatment. Displaced populations nationwide also face increased protection risks. Recurrent problems include the lack of civil documentation, access to housing, property and land rights, forced labour, forced recruitment and restrictions on movement. UNHCR aims to support the Government in strengthening its understanding of basic principles on the prevention and reduction of statelessness to help formulate policies or laws that address and resolve current challenges related to and displacement. UNHCR will also advocate for internationally accepted principles and offer capacity building through training. Number of advocacy interventions made Number of events, workshops and seminars organized Fair protection processes and documentation Internally displaced people (IDPs) nationwide 20 5 10 7 30 20 IDPs nationwide 30 20 Civil registration and civil status documentation strengthened UNHCR will promote the issuance of documentation for events such as births, deaths and marriages to support access to services for people without. In addition, many IDPs have lost their documents, which need to be replaced. UNHCR will continue to support the authorities nationwide in civil documentation efforts. Number of advocacy interventions made IDPs nationwide 125 75 Extent to which issuance of civil status documentation by national institutions is supported 100% 70% IDPs nationwide 100% 70% Security from violence and exploitation IDPs in Rakhine 100% 70% Risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is reduced and quality of response improved SGBV assessments were carried out in Rakhine and Kachin States in 2013 through the protection sector. Protection working groups have followed up on recommendations, for example, to finalize case referral pathways for each camp location, establish information protocols, monitor prevention efforts in the IDP camps and ensure appropriate responses for victims. SGBV trainings in both states for partners and camp management teams will continue to be vital. Number of partner, government and UNHCR staff trained on SGBV prevention and response Basic needs and essential services 15 priority area IDPs nationwide 100 priority area Shelter and infrastructure are established, improved and maintained Temporary shelter needs of IDPs in Rakhine State were largely met in 2013. As shelter, non-food item and camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) cluster lead in both Rakhine and Kachin IDP situations, UNHCR will continue to coordinate action to support shelter needs, in particular shelter maintenance. Within the UN inter-agency effort, UNHCR will focus its support primarily towards CCCM and achieving durable solutions. Number of people of concern receiving emergency shelter IDPs nationwide 22,940 3,522 Number of long-tem/permanent shelters provided IDPs nationwide 1,427 1,427 Leadership, coordination and partnership Camp management and coordination refined and improved Camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) support is vital for ensuring effective interventions by all humanitarian agencies in Rakhine and Kachin IDP situations. CCCM in Kachin State needs to expand to encompass more IDP sites not covered in 2013. CCCM in Rakhine IDP sites needs to be strengthened. CCCM supports camp running costs, maintenance of shelter and other communal infrastructure, camp focal points and promotes IDP involvement in coordination. The other focus for UNHCR within the UN inter-agency response in the Rakhine and Kachin IDP situations is on durable solutions. CCCM activities will enhance community protection, pending urgently needed durable solutions, particularly in Rakhine State. Extent to which roles and responsibilities for camp managers and camp service providers have been defined, agreed and documented IDPs in Rakhine 100% 75% IDPs nationwide 100% 75% UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 3
Community empowerment and self-reliance Peaceful coexistence with local communities promoted UNHCR in tandem with other inter-agency partners will support confidence-building as well as peaceful coexistence activities in support of durable solutions. UNHCR is supporting IDPs in Kachin State and northern Shan State, Rakhine State and in the south-east of Myanmar. UNHCR will focus on activities to increase the protection of communities. Number of projects benefiting local and displaced populations implemented Durable solutions IDPs nationwide 21 18 10 6 Potential for voluntary return realized UNHCR is witnessing spontaneous resettlement and return to places of origin by IDPs in south-eastern Myanmar, although the environment is not considered wholly conducive for IDP resettlement and returns. UNHCR also is preparing for potentially higher numbers of spontaneous refugee returnees. In parallel, UNHCR is preparing for durable solutions through training activities, as well as through the development of frameworks and key messages on durable solutions with the UN HCT. Number of people of concern provided with information on conditions of return and on return plans IDPs nationwide 2,000 1,000 UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 4
Implementation Partners Implementing partners Government agencies: Ministry of Immigration and Population (Immigration and National Registration Department) NGOs: Action Contre La Faim, Bridge Asia Japan, Community and Family Services International, Danish Refugee Council, Kachin Baptist Convention Emergency Relief Committee, Karuna Banmaw Social Services, Karuna Myanmar Social Services Loikaw, Karuna Myanmar Social Services Myitkyina, Malteser Hilfsdienst Germany, Marie Stopes International, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Première Urgence - Aide Médicale Internationale, Save the Children, Shalom (Nyein) Foundation, The Lutheran World Federation Others: UNOPS Operational partners Government agencies: Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement NGOs: CARE, Médecins sans Frontières Netherlands, Médecins sans Frontières Switzerland, Norwegian Refugee Council, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, World Vision Coordination UNHCR s main government partner in Myanmar will continue to be the Ministry of Immigration and Population and the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. UNHCR is the protection sector lead and cluster lead for shelter, non-food items and camp coordination and camp management within the UN inter-agency response for Kachine and Rakhine IDP situations. The Office actively participates in inter-agency coordination within the Humanitarian Country Team. UNHCR is focused primarily on international protection issues throughout Myanmar. UNHCR has also been enhancing coordination mechanisms for durable solutions in south-eastern border areas, in partnership with development actors, in preparation for the eventual return of IDPs and refugees. Financial information Since 2009, the budget for the Myanmar operation has increased six-fold, with the largest increase in 2012 in the wake of the Rakhine IDP emergency. Since 2009, additional resources have been allocated to assist the population without in northern Rakhine State. In 2011, more funds were needed in support of victims of two natural disasters in Rakhine State and newly displaced people in Kachin State. The expansion of UNHCR s area of coverage in the south-east in the past two years has also required an increased budget which reached USD 68.5 million in 2013 (revised budget as of 30 June 2013). In 2014, the comprensive needs are estimated at USD 68.1 million. There will be a need to sustain an adequate budget level for the ongoing IDP response in Rakhine and Kachin States, additional needs in northern Shan State, and expanding activities in the south-east of the country. Budgets for Myanmar 2010 2015 UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 5
2014 budget for Myanmar USD Budget breakdown PILLAR 1 Refugee programme PILLAR 2 Stateless programme PILLAR 4 IDP projects Total 2013 revised budget (as of 30 June 2013) 13,203,885 12,064,783 43,212,902 68,481,570 Favourable protection environment Law and policy 0 247,138 408,387 655,524 Administrative institutions and practice 0 0 206,014 206,014 Access to legal assistance and remedies 142,500 598,019 589,193 1,329,712 Public attitude towards people of concern 0 117,969 0 117,969 Subtotal 142,500 963,125 1,203,594 2,309,219 Fair protection processes and documentation Identification of statelessness 0 588,569 0 588,569 Registration and profiling 0 0 818,373 818,373 Individual documentation 20,000 3,088,569 0 3,108,569 Civil registration and status documentation 0 106,569 119,193 225,762 Subtotal 20,000 3,783,706 937,567 4,741,273 Security from violence and exploitation Protection from effects of armed conflict 0 0 1,057,012 1,057,012 Prevention and response to SGBV 60,000 245,247 1,048,364 1,353,611 Protection of children 30,000 0 375,298 405,298 Subtotal 90,000 245,247 2,480,674 2,815,921 Basic needs and essential services Health 110,000 691,877 274,193 1,076,070 Reproductive health and HIV services 0 123,959 670,259 794,218 Water 260,000 333,959 637,580 1,231,539 Sanitation and hygiene 85,000 0 0 85,000 Shelter and infrastructure 2,940,000 0 22,509,330 25,449,330 Basic and domestic items 1,555,000 835,238 5,628,105 8,018,342 Services for people with specific needs 0 768,069 994,207 1,762,276 Education 110,000 1,338,706 0 1,448,706 Subtotal 5,060,000 4,091,807 30,713,674 39,865,482 Community empowerment and self-reliance Community mobilization 0 195,638 757,679 953,317 Coexistence with local communities 85,000 738,569 3,122,832 3,946,401 Self-reliance and livelihood activities 192,500 1,127,738 585,055 1,905,292 Subtotal 277,500 2,061,944 4,465,566 6,805,010 Durable solutions Comprehensive solutions strategy 0 0 119,193 119,193 Voluntary return 295,000 0 3,413,203 3,708,203 Reintegration 55,000 0 0 55,000 Subtotal 350,000 0 3,532,397 3,882,397 Leadership, coordination and partnerships Coordination and partnerships 25,000 0 0 25,000 Camp management and coordination 0 0 1,017,125 1,017,125 Subtotal 25,000 0 1,017,125 1,042,125 Logistics and operations support Logistics and supply 26,000 707,247 1,555,589 2,288,836 Operations management, coordination and support 60,000 1,087,214 3,166,934 4,314,148 Subtotal 86,000 1,794,461 4,722,523 6,602,985 2014 total budget 6,051,000 12,940,291 49,073,119 68,064,410 UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2015 Myanmar 6